Air Quality

Public Comments Due May 5th The Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) is seeking public feedback on its Second 10-Year Maintenance Plan for the Truckee Meadows 24-Hour PM10 Maintenance Area. This plan addresses air quality in Washoe County’s southern portion, designated as Serious Nonattainment for PM10 in 2001 by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Since then, the US EPA has redesignated the area to be in attainment for PM10 and approved the first 10-Year maintenance …

Read MoreNorthern Nevada Public Health Seeking Feedback on Second 10 year Maintenance Plan for PM10 

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) received a grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop plans to reduce Nevada’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) is the first of two plans funded by this grant. The main goal is to identify and prioritize near-term measures for GHG reduction, aiming for eligibility for further funding.  The PCAP includes a GHG inventory, emission projections, and priority measures across six focus areas, each accompanied by …

Read MoreState of Nevada Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP)

On March 14, 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced final decisions regarding the regulation of Commercial Sterilization Facilities under the Clean Air Act. This includes defining affected sources, establishing emission standards for previously unregulated sources, and making amendments to address ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions from various vents and room air emissions. Additionally, the EPA is correcting and clarifying regulations related to emissions during startup, shutdown, and malfunction periods, removing exemptions for these periods.  Owners and operators will now …

Read MoreUS EPA Issues Final Rule for Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Facilities

On March 14, 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it was implementing new standards to reduce toxic air pollution from gasoline distribution facilities, excluding gas stations. These rules target storage tanks, loading operations, and equipment leaks, aiming to cut emissions of air toxics and volatile organic compounds significantly. The regulations consider public input and include adjustments to enhance environmental protection while minimizing impacts on small businesses and gas prices.  Gasoline distribution facilities are required to adopt cost-effective practices …

Read MoreUS EPA Finalizes “Commonsense” Standards for Gasoline Distribution Facilities